His father, also called David, said: “We have been very happy with David’s care at the six-bedroom home.

“He has very profound and complex health needs and the site has the added bonus of being a five to ten minute drive away from us.

“But why have those who decided to close it, not involved the families of the residents?

“We have been told it is to save money and that it will be closing on November 30.

“Our son communicates with facial expressions because he can no longer speak.

“The carers know what he wants and they know him inside out.

“He also feels comfortable with them.

“Some of the residents have lived there for 17 years but are expected to move to unfamiliar places.”

It was believed that Sayer House, another six-bed facility next to Elliot Lodge, would take on some of the residents after the “efficient and cost-effective” cut was made.

But Mr Jenkins, 69, said he and wife Rosemarie were told of alternative accommodation sites in Hereford, Tipton, and Four Oaks.

He said: “David will be in unfamiliar surroundings and will be anxious because he will struggle to communicate.

“We haven’t told him exactly what is happening yet as we hope that those who made the decision will change their minds and find another way to save money.”

An Elliot Lodge spokesman said: “Mindful of the need to deliver high-quality local services, that meet the needs of clients in the most efficient and cost-effective way, commissioners and service providers have jointly agreed, subject to discussions with key stakeholders, to reduce the number of beds at Elliott Lodge and Sayer House.

“The best interests of residents have been at the heart of these discussions.

“All partners are committed to working together to minimise the impact on patients, carers, staff and the wider health economy, and wish to acknowledge the quality and value of the care that has been provided to date.

“All those directly affected will be offered the opportunity to discuss the proposals in detail; in particular patients, carers, family members and members of staff.”